Ecclesiastes 7:9
Verse
Context
The Value of Wisdom
8The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one. 9Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool. 10Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
In this verse the author warns against this pride which, when everything does not go according to its mind, falls into passionate excitement, and thoughtlessly judges, or with a violent rude hand anticipates the end. אל־תּב: do not overturn, hasten not, rush not, as at Ecc 5:1. Why the word בּרוּחך, and not בנפשך or בלבך, is used, vid., Psychol. pp. 197-199: passionate excitements overcome a man according to the biblical representation of his spirit, Pro 25:28, and in the proving of the spirit that which is in the heart comes forth in the mood and disposition, Pro 15:13. כּעוס is an infin., like ישׁון, Ecc 5:11. The warning has its reason in this, that anger or (כעס, taken more potentially than actually) fretfulness rests in the bosom of fools, i.e., is cherished and nourished, and thus is at home, and, as it were (thought of personally, as if it were a wicked demon), feels itself at home (ינוּח, as at Pro 14:33). The haughty impetuous person, and one speaking out rashly, thus acts like a fool. In fact, it is folly to let oneself be impelled by contradictions to anger, which disturbs the brightness of the soul, takes away the considerateness of judgment, and undermines the health, instead of maintaining oneself with equanimity, i.e., without stormy excitement, and losing the equilibrium of the soul under every opposition to our wish. From this point the proverb loses the form "better than," but tov still remains the catchword of the following proverbs. The proverb here first following is so far cogn., as it is directed against a particular kind of ka'as (anger), viz., discontentment with the present.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
angry--impatient at adversity befalling thee, as Job was (Ecc 5:2; Pro 12:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry,.... With men, for every word that is said, or action done, that is not agreeable; encourage not, but repress, sudden angry emotions of the mind; be not quick of resentment, and at once express anger and displeasure; but be slow to wrath, for such a man is better than the mighty, Jam 1:19, Pro 16:32; or with God, for his corrections and chastisements; so the Targum, "in the time that correction from heaven comes upon thee, do not hasten in thy soul to be hot (or angry) to say words of rebellion (or stubbornness) against heaven;'' that advice is good, "do nothing in anger (l);'' for anger resteth in the bosom of fools; where it riseth quick, and continues long; here it soon betrays itself, and finds easy admittance, and a resting dwelling place; it easily gets in, but it is difficult to get it out of the heart of a fool; both which are proofs of his folly, Pro 12:16; see Eph 4:26; the bosom, or breast, is commonly represented as the seat of anger by other writers (m). (l) Isocrates ad Nicoclem, p. 36. (m) "In pectoribus ira considit", Petronius; "iram sanguinei regio sub pectore cordis", Claudian. de 4. Consul. Honor. Panegyr. v. 241.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:9 anger labels you a fool: Cp. Prov 14:29; 29:11; see “Anger” Theme Note.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
The Value of Wisdom
8The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one. 9Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool. 10Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Watch Your Inner Life
By Zac Poonen71130:08GEN 39:71SA 16:7ECC 7:9ISA 11:2MAT 5:201CO 4:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of the inner life before God, highlighting how God looks at the heart while man looks at the outward appearance. It contrasts the Old Testament focus on external actions with the New Testament emphasis on inward transformation. Jesus teaches that true righteousness surpasses external religious practices and requires purity of heart. The message warns against sins of the heart like anger and lust, stressing the need for genuine repentance and a deep reverence for God's holiness.
Freedom From Anger and Sexual Lust
By Zac Poonen6921:14:54PRO 7:4ECC 7:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and holiness in our lives by addressing the struggles with hidden sins like anger and sexual temptation. It highlights the need to rely on the Holy Spirit's power to overcome these sins, emphasizing the significance of running away from temptation and seeking God's guidance to grow in wisdom and spiritual strength.
Why Are You Angry?
By Israel Wayne6371:04:07PRO 12:16PRO 14:17PRO 15:1PRO 16:32PRO 19:11ECC 7:9JHN 15:5GAL 5:22EPH 4:26This sermon by Israel Wayne focuses on the topic of anger, exploring the biblical perspective on anger, its roots, and the importance of self-control. Wayne delves into the dangers of anger, the need for introspection, and the significance of abiding in Christ to overcome the fleshly manifestations of anger. He emphasizes the role of spending time with Jesus daily, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform hearts and minds, leading to a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit.
The Taming of Anger
By A.W. Tozer0The Power of ThoughtsAnger ManagementPSA 37:8PRO 4:23PRO 15:1ECC 7:9MAT 15:19ROM 12:19GAL 5:22EPH 4:26COL 3:8JAS 1:19A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of thoughts in the manifestation of anger, asserting that all sins, including anger, begin in the heart and mind. He explains that quick-tempered individuals often brood over wrongs, conditioning themselves for outbursts, while a heart filled with moral contemplation and understanding of God's mercy is less likely to react with anger. Tozer encourages deep meditation on sin, mercy, and Christ's sacrifice to cultivate a heart that responds with grace rather than rage. Ultimately, he highlights the importance of managing our thoughts to tame our anger and respond appropriately to injustices.
From the Death of Antigonus to the Finishing of the Temple by Herod
By Flavius Josephus0PSA 146:3PRO 6:34PRO 16:18PRO 27:4ECC 7:9Flavius Josephus recounts the events from the death of Antigonus to the completion of the temple by Herod. Herod seizes Jerusalem, captures Antigonus, and punishes his enemies while rewarding his supporters. Antony beheads Antigonus to quell the Jews' loyalty to him. Hyrcanus is freed by the Parthians and returns to Herod, who later manipulates the high priesthood to secure his rule. Herod's complex relationships with Cleopatra and Mariamne lead to suspicion, jealousy, and tragic consequences.
Tempers, and What to Do With Them
By F.B. Meyer0Transformation through ChristManaging AngerPRO 15:1PRO 16:32ECC 7:9ROM 12:18GAL 5:22EPH 4:31PHP 4:5COL 3:8JAS 1:191PE 2:1F.B. Meyer addresses the destructive impact of bad tempers on families and relationships, illustrating how irritability can overshadow moments meant for joy and peace. He emphasizes that while tempers can be inherited, individuals have the power to change and cultivate a sunny disposition through conscious effort and reliance on Christ. Meyer encourages listeners to lay aside their ill-temper as a deliberate act of will and to trust in Jesus for transformation, highlighting the importance of seeking His strength in moments of provocation. Ultimately, he assures that with faith and commitment, one can develop a character marked by gentleness and patience, countering the negativity of a bad temper.
The Advantage of Keeping One's Temper
By J.R. Miller0Self-ControlThe Importance of Good TemperPRO 15:1PRO 18:24ECC 7:9MAT 5:5ROM 12:181CO 13:4GAL 5:22EPH 4:31COL 3:8JAS 1:19J.R. Miller emphasizes the sinful nature of bad temper, arguing that it is an infirmity that should not be excused or tolerated. He highlights the practical advantages of maintaining good temper, such as improving one's reputation, enhancing personal comfort, and fostering meaningful friendships. Miller asserts that good temper is essential for true manliness, aligning with Christ's example of meekness and self-control. He encourages striving for self-mastery, as it leads to a more fulfilling and noble life. Ultimately, he reminds us that with Christ's help, we can achieve victory over our tempers and embody the qualities of love and patience.
Check Your Grumbling
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PRO 16:32PRO 25:28ECC 7:9PHP 2:14JAS 1:19Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of self-control and avoiding grumbling and unnecessary vexation at petty inconveniences. She highlights the value of maintaining a calm external demeanor, especially for those who are naturally quick and impetuous, as a means to cultivate an inward even spirit. Tileston warns against a life filled with complaints, likening it to a lingering death.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
In this verse the author warns against this pride which, when everything does not go according to its mind, falls into passionate excitement, and thoughtlessly judges, or with a violent rude hand anticipates the end. אל־תּב: do not overturn, hasten not, rush not, as at Ecc 5:1. Why the word בּרוּחך, and not בנפשך or בלבך, is used, vid., Psychol. pp. 197-199: passionate excitements overcome a man according to the biblical representation of his spirit, Pro 25:28, and in the proving of the spirit that which is in the heart comes forth in the mood and disposition, Pro 15:13. כּעוס is an infin., like ישׁון, Ecc 5:11. The warning has its reason in this, that anger or (כעס, taken more potentially than actually) fretfulness rests in the bosom of fools, i.e., is cherished and nourished, and thus is at home, and, as it were (thought of personally, as if it were a wicked demon), feels itself at home (ינוּח, as at Pro 14:33). The haughty impetuous person, and one speaking out rashly, thus acts like a fool. In fact, it is folly to let oneself be impelled by contradictions to anger, which disturbs the brightness of the soul, takes away the considerateness of judgment, and undermines the health, instead of maintaining oneself with equanimity, i.e., without stormy excitement, and losing the equilibrium of the soul under every opposition to our wish. From this point the proverb loses the form "better than," but tov still remains the catchword of the following proverbs. The proverb here first following is so far cogn., as it is directed against a particular kind of ka'as (anger), viz., discontentment with the present.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
angry--impatient at adversity befalling thee, as Job was (Ecc 5:2; Pro 12:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry,.... With men, for every word that is said, or action done, that is not agreeable; encourage not, but repress, sudden angry emotions of the mind; be not quick of resentment, and at once express anger and displeasure; but be slow to wrath, for such a man is better than the mighty, Jam 1:19, Pro 16:32; or with God, for his corrections and chastisements; so the Targum, "in the time that correction from heaven comes upon thee, do not hasten in thy soul to be hot (or angry) to say words of rebellion (or stubbornness) against heaven;'' that advice is good, "do nothing in anger (l);'' for anger resteth in the bosom of fools; where it riseth quick, and continues long; here it soon betrays itself, and finds easy admittance, and a resting dwelling place; it easily gets in, but it is difficult to get it out of the heart of a fool; both which are proofs of his folly, Pro 12:16; see Eph 4:26; the bosom, or breast, is commonly represented as the seat of anger by other writers (m). (l) Isocrates ad Nicoclem, p. 36. (m) "In pectoribus ira considit", Petronius; "iram sanguinei regio sub pectore cordis", Claudian. de 4. Consul. Honor. Panegyr. v. 241.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:9 anger labels you a fool: Cp. Prov 14:29; 29:11; see “Anger” Theme Note.